In this study a radiotracer-based method is applied to follow the chloride transport in mortar and cement paste samples. Portland, blast furnace and limestone cements are used to cast prisms that, after curing, are sliced in 2.5 mm thick samples and then covered with a wax layer on all sides – except one. The samples are then put in contact with a 36Cl-labelled NaCl solution. After a given time the samples are taken out of the solution and, after complete removal of the wax layer, placed on a beta particle sensitive film for the autoradiography. Densitometry, i.e. measurement of the degree of blackening of the film can provide qualitative and quantitative data on the two-dimensional diffusion profile attained.

In this study a radiotracer-based method is applied to follow the chloride transport in mortar and cement paste samples. Portland, blast furnace and limestone cements are used to cast prisms that, after curing, are sliced in 2.5 mm thick samples and then covered with a wax layer on all sides – except one. The samples are then put in contact with a 36Cl-labelled NaCl solution. After a given time the samples are taken out of the solution and, after complete removal of the wax layer, placed on a beta particle sensitive film for the autoradiography. Densitometry, i.e. measurement of the degree of blackening of the film can provide qualitative and quantitative data on the two-dimensional diffusion profile attained.